Hello Ken,
I think this may be a matter of interpretation. When Bill says his hips do not close until after release, I would agree IF we are talking about fully closed and facing the batter. But Bill hips, as well as Ueno and Cat's, all lead the way as the pitching hand comes toward release. The difference is the hips lead but only close to around 45 degrees, as you pointed out previsously.
I would fully agree with Mark's opinion on this...
Interesting topic.
Mike
Yes, good explanation.
It's not about degree of closure. It's about momentum/energy transfer. Watch even the clip of Finch and see the hip snap where that segment transfers momentum to the next segment. That's when it happens. It's not about what happens in terms of closure after that.
After reading Hal's post I would agree hip position is somewhat pitch type dependent but the momentum/energy transfer will still be there in an elite pitcher. Momentum is not visible but the kinetic chain will always be there.